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Movement library
EdemaWhole handPhases 0, 1, 2

Elevation with active open-close

Elevation + composite active flexion/extension

Combines elevation with muscle pump to reduce edema.

Best for

  • Swelling control after activity or surgery

Default dose

3 min • 4×/day

Equipment

Pillow

Avoid when

  • Open wound with drainage

Measurement targets

  • Finger circumference (mm)
  • Visual swelling change

Setup

  • Lie down or sit with hand above heart on a pillow.

Steps

  1. 1Slowly open and close the hand.

Cues

  • Slow pump; relax between.

Common mistakes

  • Forceful gripping.

Stop rules

  • Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)
  • Increasing swelling during or after
  • New or worsening numbness or tingling
  • Color change in fingers (pale, blue, red)
  • Wound opens, drains, or feels hot
  • Next morning is worse than the day before

Progressions

  • Add gentle wrist motion.

Regressions

  • Tiny range only.
Continue your rehab

What to do next — not a dead end

Suggestions use body region, goal, motion type, and allowed phases — not your medical record. After surgery or a flare, follow your clinician first.

Estimated time

~3 min typical block

~3 min · 4×/day

Equipment

Pillow

Rehab stage

Phases 0, 1, 2

Generally lower load — still respect pain and swelling.

When to stop

Sharp pain (≥ 4/10)

Increasing swelling during or after

Full stop rules ↑

Avoid if this sounds like you

Open wound with drainage

Reread best-for context ↑

Keep momentum without overdoing it

Log a short check-in to protect your streak — even one quality set counts.

Scaling in plain language: Easier — Tiny range only. · Harder — Add gentle wrist motion.Full cues ↑